Cholesterol is a substance produced in the body that helps in the production of cell membrane and hormones as well as in the digestion of foods. It is mainly produced in the body, but about 15-20 per cent is consumed through food that we eat. Cholesterol attaches itself to protein in the blood to travel to cells and the combination is known as lipo-protein. Of all the lipo-proteins, the two most important ones are LDL and HDL.

Most of us are ignorant about cholesterol. The biggest confusion is in terms of good and bad cholesterol. There is a simple way to get rid of the confusion. Say HDL — high density lipo-protein — which is the good cholesterol can be called the happy cholesterol. It has a very important function of carrying cholesterol away from the heart. LDL is the low density lipo protein, which can be called Low or Sad because it functions in reverse order of carrying cholesterol towards the heart.

For a healthy body, it is essential to make sure that the value of total cholesterol in the blood is less than 200mg/dl. Also, that the value of LDL or low cholesterol is below 100mg/dl. On the other hand, we must ensure that the HDL or happy cholesterol is above 40mg/dl.

Usually, cholesterol problems or heart disease is a genetic disorder but it can also be acquired by overeating food rich in fat like deep fried foods, a lot of ghee, butter, cheese, sweets as well as rich bakery items non-vegetarian food. Obesity leads to heart disease and lack of physical exercise and high stress lead to low cholesterol. Sometimes cholesterol levels are a result of complication of thyroid gland malfunction.

To tackle this, all men and women above 25 years of age should get a blood test done to determine their happy cholesterol values. The range is usually 35-45mg/dl. The following are three ways to raise the levels:

• By being more active through out the day, for example, using the stairs more often and avoiding using the remote control to change channels.

• Take out 25-30 minutes every day for brisk walking.

• Consume a lot of fibrous fruit like raw vegetables and salads for both lunch and dinner. Have at least two fresh fruits every day; avoid juices and whole cereals at dinner.

It is possible to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by taking drugs but there’s no sure-shot way to produce good cholesterol unless one works hard. The good news is that with regular exercise and fibre intake, level of good cholesterol can change from 35mg/dl to 45 or even 55mg/dl within a period of just three to six months.

Those with a hereditary heart disease can get it detected through a blood test. Soon, they can start taking precautions and prevent the disease from further development.

Here was  some information about cholesterol that is known to very less people. Please provide your comments and feedback which can help make this article even more valuable.

Share This Article :